![]() | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
![]() "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" |
![]() |
![]() General Overseer/Bishop: Rev. Ken Allen, Th.D. allenkc@juno.com |
The purpose of this Fellowship is to serve Universal Life Church Christians according to their expressed religious needs; to uphold and promote the true Christian witness within the Universal Life Church; and to uphold and promote the Universal Life Church witness and conscience within the church universal.From its modest beginnings in 1959, the Universal Life Church (ULC) now has members and ministers with independent, autonomous, ministries and congregations around the world. The sun never sets on the Universal Life Church . Its members come from all walks of life and spiritual traditions and are united on two basic tenets which are:
The
Universal Life Church Christian Fellowship (ULCCF),
although an independent ministry, is an integral part of the
Universal Life Church
with a definite Christian orientation. The
ULCCF
strives to uphold and promote the two basic tenets of the Universal Life Church,
and especially to serve as a Spiritual home for those Christians who seek an
ever more intimate communion with Christ, and within the household of the faith,
unfettered by denominational bias and doctrines. We believe the authenticity, genuineness, and inspiration, of the Holy Scriptures; that both the Old and New Testaments contain the revealed will of God and that the Bible is the supreme written authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
We believe that there is one God, whose nature is love; revealed in one Lord Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of grace; that Jesus is the Son of the Living God. He came in the flesh, died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures.
We believe that holiness and true happiness are inseparably connected, and that we should do that which is right, and strive to maintain order, and practice good works, for these things are good and profitable to all people.
We believe that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
As Christians, members of the
Incorporating the two basic tenets of the
ULC, the simple Statement of
Beliefs of the
ULCCF
is:
|
If you are in agreement with the statement of beliefs and principles of the ULCCF stated above, and would like to become a member of the ULCCF, then click here to find out fellowship and membership options, or read on down this page to learn more.
The
ULCCF believes that all people are brothers and sisters in a natural sense. We also believe, as stated by the Apostle Peter in Acts 10:34-35"Truly I perceive that God doesn't show favoritism; but in every nation he who fears [reverences] him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.
Additionally, we believe that there is a special spiritual, moral and religious sense, in which people are united as brothers and sisters in Christ through faith. We accept as Christian brothers and sisters, in this special spiritual sense, anyone who through faith believes that:
"There is one God, whose nature is love; revealed in one Lord Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of grace; that Jesus is the Son of the Living God. He came in the flesh, died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures."
Contained in this statement is the "gospel" in which we stand, and by which we are saved, by which one becomes "a believer", or, "a Christian", as declared by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
It is through believing and living the principles presented in the above statements, and in the love of God, shown and commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ, and exercised in our love for each other as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, that Christians have unity of the Spirit (see Eph. 4:1-3). With unity of the Spirit based on the principles contained in the statements presented above, there is room for diversity of beliefs in other doctrines. There can be unity in diversity and diversity in unity. Although differences of beliefs, doctrine, interpretation, and opinion may be held and expressed among believers, they should be expressed in love and fellowship with those who may differ. This is true Christianity, based upon the freedom that is in Christ, as it was instituted in the very beginning.
But, one may ask how Christians with different beliefs, doctrines, or theologies can claim equal trust in the same Scriptures, or how they can fellowship and work together when so many Christians have divided and fought over those very issues through the centuries?
In the ULCCF, one answer is that our communion is one of life and love more than one of doctrine and opinion. The oneness in the life of God through Jesus Christ is a stronger bond than that of non-essential doctrines emphasized by many denominations or churches.
Also, some additional answers can be found by reading the articles:
As Hans Kung wrote in "Christianity and the World Religions", page 121:
"The criterion for being a Christian is ... belief in the one and only God, the practical imitation of Christ, trusting the power of God's Spirit ... who works WHEREVER he wishes, and will lead us wherever HE sees fit".
""the specifically Christian element in Christianity is God's revelation in Jesus Christ through the Spirit."
More about the
ULC Headquarters and the ULCCFBecause of the non-restrictive nature of these two tenets, the Universal Life Church, International Headquarters, located in Modesto, California, does not promote one religious tradition above another, but leaves the choice of those traditions to its individual members, ministers, and congregations, as long as they do not interfere with the rights of others to do the same. A main function of the Universal Life Church, International Headquarters is the legal ordination of its ministers. The Universal Life Church, International Headquarters exists because of, and for, the minister. They will ordain anyone without question of their faith, for life and without fee. (Click here for more information about ordination) They stand between the government and the minister and not between the minister and God.
Therefore, under the broad canopy of spiritual traditions encompassed by the Universal Life Church, International Headquarters, there are specialized ministries and congregations devoted to those two tenets, which also, emphasize their own elective form of spiritual worship and experience. Among these specialized ministries is the Universal Life Church Christian Fellowship (ULCCF) for Christians, and Christian Ministers, within the
ULC.
For open fellowship on via the internet, there is the ULCCF Yahoo Group. While everyone is welcome to fellowship in this group, the tenor of the discussions in this group is Christian oriented. Regardless of the personal religious persuasion, bashing of individuals or religious beliefs, whether Christian or not, will not be allowed. We ask that the following guidelines be observed in the discussions:
If you are a Christian, who is in agreement with the statement of beliefs and principles of the ULCCF given above, you are invited to become s Registered Member of the ULCCF. You do not have to leave your present church or religious organization to be a Registered Member of the ULCCF. (An application for Registered Membership is found further down on this page) Registered Members who are ordained Christian Ministers of the Universal Life Church are listed on the Associated Ministers List.
Associated with the ULCCF are Christian ministers, in various locations thoughout the world, who are ordained by the Universal Life Church, and are dedicated to the principles of the ULCCF and to upholding and promoting the true Christian witness within the Universal Life Church; and to upholding and promoting the Universal Life Church witness and conscience within the church universal. A list of these ministers and their location can be seen by clicking here.
To become a Registered Member of the ULCCF, simply complete the information in the form below, and then press the "SUBMIT" button at the bottom. You will receive an email message when your application is approved.
Once your application for membership is approved, you can print a membership certificate. For instructions, click here.
Once your application for membership is approved, if you have a web site, you may download one of the graphics below to show your membership in, and link to, the ULCCF web site.
NOTE: ACTIVE MEMBERS - Active Members are those who are subscribed to the ULCCF Yahoo Discussion Group. Inactive members (those not subscribed to the Yahoo group) are subject to be removed the ULCCF membership list and inactive Associated Ministers from that list.
ulccf03.gif
If you need more information or have questions,
contact the ULCCF General Overseer and Bishop of the ULCCF, Rev. Ken Allen, Th.D. at:
allenkc@juno.com.
|